Maxillectomy removes the cancer-bearing part of the upper jaw. We restore the defect with an obturator or reconstruction so you can eat and speak, and plan dental rehabilitation.
Receiving a diagnosis that requires upper jaw surgery can feel overwhelming. A maxillectomy is a specialized surgical procedure performed to remove tumors or abnormal growths from the maxilla, which is the upper jaw bone. This bone forms the roof of your mouth, part of the eye socket, and the floor of your nasal cavity.
At our practice, Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya, both highly trained in oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), work together to guide you through this process as part of complete oral cancer surgery. We focus on removing the disease completely while prioritizing your facial appearance, speech, and ability to swallow safely.
Understanding Maxillectomy and Upper Jaw Cancer Surgery
Depending on the location and size of the tumor, different types of palate cancer surgery or jaw removal may be necessary. Our surgeons carefully plan the procedure to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
Partial Maxillectomy: This involves removing only a portion of the upper jaw, often leaving the main structure and most of the palate intact.
Subtotal Maxillectomy: A larger section of the upper jaw is removed, but the surgeon is able to preserve the bony floor of the eye socket.
Total Maxillectomy: This requires the complete removal of one side of the upper jaw, which may also involve supporting structures near the nose and eye.
How the Procedure is Performed
A maxillectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery is highly precise and is coordinated with the wider surgical team at our affiliated Apollo or partner hospital to ensure comprehensive medical support throughout your stay.
Surgical Access: The surgeon accesses the upper jaw bone, often through incisions made inside the mouth or along natural facial creases to minimize visible scarring.
Tumor Excision: The diseased portion of the maxilla is carefully removed with clean margins to ensure no cancer cells are left behind.
Defect Assessment: The resulting space is evaluated immediately to determine the best method for speech and swallowing rehabilitation.
Restoring Speech and Swallowing with a Maxillary Obturator
Removing a portion of the upper jaw creates an opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity. Restoring this barrier is essential so that you can speak clearly and eat without food or liquid entering your nose. When the lower jaw is affected instead, our surgeons perform mandibulectomy jaw surgery with its own reconstruction plan.
A maxillary obturator is a specialized dental prosthesis, similar to a retainer or denture, designed to seal this opening. It is custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly, allowing you to resume normal eating and speaking shortly after surgery. Over time, as your tissues heal, this prosthesis is adjusted and refined for a secure, comfortable fit.
Recovery and Upper Jaw Reconstruction Chennai
After surgery, your recovery will involve a combination of healing, speech therapy, and gradual dietary adjustments. In some cases, advanced upper jaw reconstruction Chennai is performed using tissue from other parts of the body to rebuild the palate bone, reducing the long-term reliance on a removable prosthesis.
Our team provides detailed wound care instructions and schedules regular follow-ups to monitor your healing. Both Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya personally oversee your entire recovery journey, ensuring continuity of care from your initial consultation through long-term rehabilitation.
We understand that traveling for specialized cancer care can be challenging. Our practice warmly welcomes patients from across Tamil Nadu and the wider South India region. Whether you are seeking an initial diagnosis or a remote second opinion, we coordinate closely with outstation patients to make your treatment journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
What to expect
1Planning & prosthetic workup
2Resection with margins
3Obturator or reconstruction
4Prosthetic / dental rehabilitation
Maxillectomy — watch & learn
Oral Cancer Staging: What You Need to Know & Why It's Crucial
An explainer on how oral cancer is staged and why accurate staging is crucial for planning treatment.
Oral Cancer Treatment Guide: Diagnosis, Surgery, Recovery — Dr. Pradeep S.
Dr. Pradeep S. walks through the full oral cancer journey — diagnosis, surgery and recovery — in this Apollo 24|7 feature.
Does Mouth Cancer Spread Due to Biopsy?
Part of the myth-busting series — addressing the fear that a biopsy spreads mouth cancer.
A maxillectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the upper jaw bone, known as the maxilla. It is typically performed to treat benign or malignant tumors of the palate, sinuses, or upper jaw gums.
How does a maxillary obturator help after surgery?
A maxillary obturator is a custom dental prosthesis that seals the opening in the roof of your mouth after surgery. This prevents food and liquids from entering your nasal cavity, allowing you to speak and swallow normally.
How much does maxillectomy upper jaw surgery cost in Chennai?
The cost depends on the extent of the surgery, reconstruction needs, and hospital stay. We help coordinate with insurance providers at our affiliated partner hospitals to optimize your coverage and provide a clear, detailed cost breakdown during your consultation.
What is the recovery time after upper jaw cancer surgery?
Initial hospital recovery typically takes five to seven days. Healing of the surgical site and adaptation to a temporary obturator usually takes six to eight weeks, followed by gradual transition to normal activities and speech.
How soon can I get an appointment or second opinion?
We prioritize urgent oncology consultations. You can typically secure an appointment or a remote second opinion with Dr. Pradeep S. or Dr. Kalpa Pandya within 24 to 48 hours by contacting our Chennai office.
Will I have visible scars after a maxillectomy?
Whenever possible, our surgeons access the upper jaw through incisions inside the mouth. If external incisions are necessary, they are carefully planned along natural facial creases to minimize visible scarring as they heal.
Can the upper jaw be reconstructed without a removable prosthesis?
Yes, advanced reconstructive techniques using bone and tissue grafts can permanently rebuild the upper jaw. This approach, known as microvascular reconstruction, reduces or eliminates the need for a removable obturator.
Maxillectomy in Chennai
Our practice provides specialized oral cancer care across Chennai, with consultations available at Apollo Main Hospital on Greams Road and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Porur, serving patients from Adyar, Anna Nagar, and Velachery.
